GERMANY WITHIN

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1920, Page 2

GERMANY WITHIN

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.! THE FRENCH ADVANCE. PARIS, April 6. It is believed that Hon. Lloyd George has consented to the French occupation of Frankfort, Hanan, and Damistadt. German headquarters assert only nine battalions were sent into the neutral zone. According to Hutin 50,000 Reichswehrs were encamped at Munster ready to co-operate with 45,000 already occupying Ruhr. The “Journal” says the French advanced tinder absolute compulsion. Government honestly dc sires to avoid complications. Gustavp Herve, writing ill the “Victoire,” states the advance gives a stern, well deserved snub to the insolent Prussians. Duseldorf Waller is advancing on Essen. The Red Supreme Council are hiding their leaders who fled. The food situation, is serious.

THE- RUHR CRISES

LONDON, April 7. ( The Australain press learns that M. Millerand will preside at to-day’s Council of Ambassadors at Paris. It is hoped to compose the differences between the 'Allies with regard to France’s action in the Ruhr. It is understood that Britain and America have not. yet accepted the view itlhat the German Reichwehr’s advanpe of 100,000 men constitutes a breach of the Peace Treaty. They say the Treaty did not contemplate a Ger man military advance in order to suppress insurgents, but mentioned any military action that constituted a menace to France.

ITALY SUPPORTS FRANCE. ROME, April 6. The Italian Cabinet have decided to give France their normal support in Ruhr. In no circumstances will Italy herself be a party to the military measures. GERMAN CONCENTRATION. BERLIN, April 6. Only nine of the German battalions have been sent into the neutral zone. No less than fifty battalions are now concentrated at Dortmund. PARIS, April 6. Tbe “Echo de Paris” asserts that fifty thousand Reiohswehr troops are concentrated at Muenster, ready to co-operate with the 45,000,000 who have already arrived in Ruhr. RED RETREAT. LONDON, April 17. A Central news message from Frankfort states: Retreating Reds committed several outrages upon citizens, the murdering and plundering on all sides indicating the leaders iost control of their men.

FIGHTING GOES ON. COPENHAGEN, April 5. Berlin advices states that the position in Ruhr is comparatively quiet. Rhe Reds’ are retreating along the > Ruhr Canal to strongly fortified positions at Wapporthal. The retreat in some places was panicky but at other places the Reds are offering. a stem resistance.

FRENCH OCCUPATION. •PARIS, April 6. The French troops occupied Frankfort and Darmstadt without incident. The German troops evacuated both towns at' midnight. The newspapers applaud the French advance, declaring the Prussian militarist merit a stem snub. Telegrams from Berlin state Muller does not regard the situation seriously, jlfecause Britain and Italy have not yet been heard from. French troops are now eighteen miles beyond the Treaty circle around Mayzence. The ti-oops number 17,000 including artillery. The French Rhine Flotilla has gone to Hanan, which troops have occupied. The French have occupied all public building in Darmstadt including the Mayenee. The inhabitants have obeyed the instructions in the French proclamation and there are no disorders.

A SURPRISE ADVANCE. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, April 6. It is asserted in diplomatic circles that Britain as recently as Monday, reiterated the opinion to Fiance that precipitate action should not bo taken. Therefore the French advance surprised the British Government and bus resulted in an extremely delicate, if not serious situation among the Allies. Hon Lloyd George is curtailing his holiday in Wales and is returning to London to-morrow. french TAKE CHARGE. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, April G.

A Paris message states the occupation of the towns was carried out without a hitch. French troops found the. districts empty of Reichswehr, who retired ten miles eastward of the towns a few hours before the French arrived. The French advance guards were composed of half a dozen tanks a nd moorish troops, headed by General Desusbielle. Frankfort was in pitch darkness and the populace asleep. Desusbielle met the railwaynieii going home, who were surprised, hut not disturbed. One said “You. want to go to railway station. Right, I’ll show you the way.” Half an hour later troops occupied the station, post office and other Government. buildings and Desusbielle was interviewing the prefect of police at headquarters in the 'Carlton hotel. One hundred police volunteers who remained in the town, were quickly disarmed. When the citizens awoke they were astonished to find the city in the hands of the French, but they look matters calmly. Degoutte’s proclamation stipulated that no strikes would be permitted. and no one was allowed out of doors between nine in the evening and . five in the morning. The publication of newspapers was suspended and all arms are to he given up within six hours.

A GERMAN DICTATORSHIP. (Received this day at 8.40 a.m.) - -BERLIN, April 7. A plot to make Ludendorff Dictatorlias been discovered ■in Munich.